Supporting decision on energy vs. asset cost optimization in drinking water distribution networks

One of the challenges for water utilities is the optimal asset design (i.e. maximum power of pump systems, tank volumes and pipe diameters) of water distribution networks (WDN) while optimizing operational efficiency (i.e. energy consumption and cost). Besides the classical minimization of capital cost while providing sufficient supply service, the operational sustainability is an emerging issue. As the reduction of each component of capital and energy costs are conflicting with each other, the optimization problem is multi-objective. This work presents the study of the robustness of solutions of the Pareto set as a further element to support the decision. © 2013 The Authors.